Are you looking for a flotation tank in Singapore? We've got your float. Read the ultimate guide to floatation tank aka Sense Deprivation Tank/ Pod & be sure about the benefits,, what to look out for, where it first started, what to do, & what you can expect from it if you have never experienced this before.
What is a Float tank?
A doctor by the name of John C. Lily, who's a neuropsychiatrist, was interested in the effects of sensory deprivation on the brain, developed the first float tank in 1954 & the first ever commercial float tank came into the market in around the 70s & even got under the influence of LSD and ketamine, known for creating a trance-like state while providing pain relief and sedation. The primary function of the isolation tank is to eliminate as many of the external senses as possible.
What you see in the commercial float tanks have evolved to look like a spaceship from when it was first built(like a box) with making them more efficient in self cleaning, sound proofing, even adding LED light therapy into it and of course the ability to give you the full privacy of 100% depriving yourself of any sensory or distraction that may be around. A float tank is also known as a sensory deprivation pod for those who likes a bit of technical term.
What you see in the commercial float tanks have evolved to look like a spaceship from when it was first built(like a box) with making them more efficient in self cleaning, sound proofing, even adding LED light therapy into it and of course the ability to give you the full privacy of 100% depriving yourself of any sensory or distraction that may be around. A float tank is also known as a sensory deprivation pod for those who likes a bit of technical term.
While flotation therapy list a variety of benefits, many floaters (sensory deprivation clients) look forward to the session for a meditative experience, to enhance an already existing meditation practice, release tension / stress, & even musculoskeletal pain that they are experiencing. The idea of removing sensory distractions is so that a floater is free to fully confront their mind, as most of the problems both mental & physical comes from the mind itself, creating your reality.
It is sometimes referred to as:
It is sometimes referred to as:
- Sensory deprivation tank/ pod
- Isolation tank/ pod
- Flotation tank/ pod
- REST (restricted environmental stimulation therapy)
What's in the water?
The float pods, each is filled with around 1000 litres of water and 500 kg of magnesium and sulphate-rich Epsom salts thereby increasing the specific gravity for the solution to around 1.27. It is this change to the density that adds buoyancy to the water and allows a flotation tank user to float just like you were in space, with no added gravity, for the very first time.
Are the Float Pods clean?
Makes sense to ask this question since there are a high number of people walking in & out of the pods in a day right? Well, there's a few things you can know about the float pods before you take a step & start floating.
1. Bacteria won't stand a chance in a high salt(saline) content, especially when you are using few hundred kilograms of it in such a small personal sized pod. Researchers have actually injected bacteria into this concentration and it died very quickly.
2. Everyone is asked to have a shower right before entering the pods, this is to ensure that no extra impurities are inside the pods, just the magnesium sulphates & all its benefits for the floater.
3. The tanks are disinfected by using a combination of ultraviolet light, as humans, we're able to tolerate the UV rays of the sun, bacteria, viruses, and molds aren't so lucky. and depending on the design of the pods/ tanks, bromine or chlorine is also used in the process of cleansing them. The pods usually comes with a ultra high water filtration system, which means whatever is left of any lingering bacteria if it hasn't been killed in the high content of salt, the filtration system takes care of one final step.
1. Bacteria won't stand a chance in a high salt(saline) content, especially when you are using few hundred kilograms of it in such a small personal sized pod. Researchers have actually injected bacteria into this concentration and it died very quickly.
2. Everyone is asked to have a shower right before entering the pods, this is to ensure that no extra impurities are inside the pods, just the magnesium sulphates & all its benefits for the floater.
3. The tanks are disinfected by using a combination of ultraviolet light, as humans, we're able to tolerate the UV rays of the sun, bacteria, viruses, and molds aren't so lucky. and depending on the design of the pods/ tanks, bromine or chlorine is also used in the process of cleansing them. The pods usually comes with a ultra high water filtration system, which means whatever is left of any lingering bacteria if it hasn't been killed in the high content of salt, the filtration system takes care of one final step.
So yes, the pod's sanitisation process is quite thorough!
Can someone drown in a Float Pod?
While drowning may happen, the chances of it happening is almost impossible because the depth of the water/ solution is approximately at 11 inches & the density of the water is such that you are always supported(floats you) regardless of your weight & size. If you are to roll over onto your belly, the salt content in the water would sting your eyes & wake you up from it. The depth of about 11inches also means that you can kneel on your knees or sit upright(you can't float & sit at the same time) with just the water barely going higher than your belly button, so drowning if not, is impossible to happen in the likelihood of it all.
Does floating tigger claustrophobia?
Most claustrophobic people reported that they eased into the whole within minutes of entering them as there is a safety/ panic button & after they see what they can do in the pod themselves, ridding the fear of enclosed space. The pods are fitted with a door that you can easily open & close as well with lights turned on so that you can see if you opt to have it turned on. Claustrophobia itself, starts in the mind, it's a great start if you are able to make it in to start experiencing your mind & slowly clear your fear of enclosed space. In any case that the experience is too much within a session, you can always work towards lengthening the duration next session. Clients are free to end the session whenever at their will.
“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” — Blaise Pascal
How long is a REST session?
Typically, a session last anywhere from 45 mins to 90 mins, depending on the types of sessions different venues offer. This is to help cater to new floaters who get anxious in dark & enclosed space & to ease towards longer durations. Check out your float centre on what they offer, the more types they offer to you, the more you can lean towards experiencing which duration works best for you in the initial floating period.
Who can do a float session?
Almost anyone can try out a float pod as it relatively low risk, however, there are some condition(s) that may need clearance from medical physicians, & if unsure, always seek a medical professional before signing up for a session. The list below is a non exhaustive list of conditions that may not be suitable for a float session either for sanitary, comfort or medical reasons(check with doctor):
- Epilepsy
- Incontinence
- Kidney disease
- Low blood pressure
- Menstrual
- Any contagious disease
- Open wounds or skin ulcers
- Pregnant
- Asthma
- Freshly clean shaved
- Heart conditions
- Asthma
- Under the influence of drugs/ alcohol
- Sensitivity to chlorine, bromine, sulfate or magnesium
- Freshly dyed hair
- No consumption of Caffeine / stimulants based products(at least 3 hours prior to session)
- Skin conditions eg. psoriasis and eczema
What are the benefits from float pods
Top 4 Flotation tank benefits
1. Sleep
If you have sleep anxiety, suffering from insomnia or any other sleep conditions/ issues, it can bring many detrimental effects onto your life. Quality sleep on a regular basis helps to ensure that both your physical & mental health is at its best, improving your:
A recent study that was done for two hours a week, for two weeks showed flotation REST (on its own and in combination with autogenic relaxation) improved both subjective and objective sleep latency up to twelve weeks after treatment! Now if that doesn't impress you, nothing else will!
If you have sleep anxiety, suffering from insomnia or any other sleep conditions/ issues, it can bring many detrimental effects onto your life. Quality sleep on a regular basis helps to ensure that both your physical & mental health is at its best, improving your:
- Decision making
- Problem solving
- Improve focus
- Increase creativity
- Lower hypertension
- Lower stroke / heart disease
A recent study that was done for two hours a week, for two weeks showed flotation REST (on its own and in combination with autogenic relaxation) improved both subjective and objective sleep latency up to twelve weeks after treatment! Now if that doesn't impress you, nothing else will!
2. Fibromyalgia
It's been reported that floatation sessions helps reduces the markers of BDS(bodily distress syndrome), which is known as the physiological changes that happens when one is under significant amount of stress is significantly reduced as the body now experiences no stimulus via the feedback loop of external stimulus.
In 2012, a recent study was presented at a floatation summit/ conference showed evidence on how REST can have a huge impact on treatment for fibromyalgia.
It's been reported that floatation sessions helps reduces the markers of BDS(bodily distress syndrome), which is known as the physiological changes that happens when one is under significant amount of stress is significantly reduced as the body now experiences no stimulus via the feedback loop of external stimulus.
In 2012, a recent study was presented at a floatation summit/ conference showed evidence on how REST can have a huge impact on treatment for fibromyalgia.
3. Relaxation
Stress, tension, overworked, sporting recovery, whatever is it be it mental or physical stress, the float pods will help facilitate the deepest relaxation you can ever experience. Since you are depriving yourself of any distractions from your sensory system, touch, gravity(movement), sound, visual, lights, & even smell, there is less/ no sensory feedback, & your body / mind gets the break it finally needs. From silence & away from it all. For most first timers the first first 10-20 minutes may be the strangest time for you if it's your first time spending time all, by, yourself. After which, you will simply ease into the whole thing & allow yourself to accept the peace & quite with both mind/ body to allow the deepest state of relaxation to happen.
Stress, tension, overworked, sporting recovery, whatever is it be it mental or physical stress, the float pods will help facilitate the deepest relaxation you can ever experience. Since you are depriving yourself of any distractions from your sensory system, touch, gravity(movement), sound, visual, lights, & even smell, there is less/ no sensory feedback, & your body / mind gets the break it finally needs. From silence & away from it all. For most first timers the first first 10-20 minutes may be the strangest time for you if it's your first time spending time all, by, yourself. After which, you will simply ease into the whole thing & allow yourself to accept the peace & quite with both mind/ body to allow the deepest state of relaxation to happen.
4. MSK (musculoskeletal) Pain
Pain/ aches seems to be something that most of us have, or will experience at least one time in our lifetime. Epsom salt, originally found in Surrey, England, have been used for hundreds of years & boasts a list of potentially therapeutic benefits for many people. Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. A chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. For hundreds of years, this salt has been used to treat ailments, such as constipation, insomnia, and fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, its effects on these conditions are not well researched.
Magnesium is attributed to epsom salt's benefits which is reportedly what most people do not get enough of. Epsom salt, when dissolved in water, releases magnesium and sulfate ions. The release of these particles can be absorbed through your skin, which serves important bodily functions.
Magnesium is attributed to epsom salt's benefits which is reportedly what most people do not get enough of. Epsom salt, when dissolved in water, releases magnesium and sulfate ions. The release of these particles can be absorbed through your skin, which serves important bodily functions.